to wish that one day, being prejudice against a breastfeeding mum will be the same as being prejudice against race, religion, sexuality, disability etc.?

[eggontoast]

Luckily, we have adopted laws in this country to prevent many kinds of discrimination. Unfortunately, it does not always work, but it does offer some degree of protection for those concerned. (OK, it may not stop people feeling racist for example, but they will put on a front, better than nothing I suppose. And, it does not stop everyone, I know, but at least they are taken to account for their actions (when caught).

I just feel that I, and others like me, are completely fair game to those who oppose bf so strongly that they will kick you out of their cafe, or off the bus they are driving.

To me, it is similar, not the same of course, as being able to ask someone to leave their bus or cafe because they are black or a lesbian.

I think there maybe something in the pipeline, but it just seems so far away.

I have encountered discrimination against breastfeeding in France, and not while breastfeeding in public but rather from paediatricians and other medical professionals.

I gave up telling most doctors that I breastfed (and certainly didn't even mention that I coslept) because doing so led to at best a lecture and at worse being treated like a moron who couldn't be trusted to do the best for her child.

Bonsoir do the health professionals in France not advocate b/f? I wasn't aware that anywhere did this, that is a great shame?

The women in the Ikea restraint who came up to tell me off about breastfeeding recently, I feel saw it as challenge to her as her partner was with her.

Basically the human breast is on average larger then is requiring for the job of simply feeding.
You have to ask why this is so. The answer to why breastfeeding is so objectionable to people lies in the answer.

It would also suggest that human?s females compete on a level unlike other animals.
Most animals have the display on the male, like the duck for example.

People who have a problem with breast feeding usual don?t self analyse

your metaphors and pseudo-science is all over the shop.Adveserial mums threatened by mere presence of breast.bizzare animal and human comparisons

where on earth do you source this stuff the journal of madeuppicus stuffus

"journal of madeuppicus stuffus" bitchy but real funny

get Martine McCutcheonas as journal of madeuppicus stuffus spokesperson she is dead brainy on the yoghurt advert.like a proper scientist and everything

damnedchilblains - you have to remember that there is no NHS in France, and no "party line". Paediatricians are self-employed professionals who spout whatever medieval crap they were indoctrinated with years ago during training give independent advice based on their personal knowledge.

You can find paediatricians who recommend breastfeeding but it is immensely rare to come across any health professional with whom you feel relaxed about admitting to extended breastfeeding, even though plenty of mothers will admit to it in private to another mother who has also confessed her guilty secret!

wow and they're supposed to be forward thinkers the French are . That's nuts. I can imagine then that it is hard to b/feed publicly in France then. Especially when you compare it to feeding here. There is obviously a prejudice in that case, but I don't think there is prejudice in the UK. Especially if comparisons are going to be made like the op states.

I fed all over the place in Paris - notably a two year old right in the front of the Cafe de Flore - and never got an adverse comment. There is much more prejudice and discrimination against breastfeeding among so-called childcare experts and health professionals than among the population at large, in my experience.

Of course, flashing your breasts in public is very acceptable in France!

I should think so bonsoir, I should think so

OP the new laws are not that far away. The new Equailty Act which offers specific protection to mothers BFing up to 6 months is expected to be in force by 1 Oct I think. Plus Harriet Harman confirmed that the new legislation regarding protection for BF mothers should not be taken is indicating that protection from discrimination does not already exist within the Sex Discrimination Act - ie in the view of the Govt it is already unacceptable to discriminate agains BF women in the provision of goods and services, in an employment context etc.

I think the reaction of some people against the OP is intersting. Given the provisions of the Equality Act, the Govt clearly feels that some form of protection from discrimination is required. I don't see the problem. It is not as if to insert the proection from discrimination while BF clause we have had to decide whether to withdraw protection from discrimination agains disabled people or ethnic minorities . Ultimately BF is regarded as medically being a good thing for babies. If part of encouraging this is to empower women to feel they can do this in a cafe, on a but by providing specific protection within legislation then where is the harm>

I am all for legislation making it illegal to discriminate against breastfeeding mothers.

Crass to compare the situation to being person of colour/disabled/gay etc though.

But why do people have a problem with it scotishmummy.
whats you veiw on why?

oh no i love your pov,the correlation of farm animals and jealous female partners .please do elaborate

your premise is flawed you assume prejudice.some people will be.some wont.understanding attitudinal beliefs and behaviours is complex depends on the individual,their beliefs,experiences etc.but no don't agree with your explanation

but what makes some people unconfortable about it?

why dont you elaborate

I have, my argument is flawed.What do you sugest is the reason?

if i could expalin attitudinal beliefs and behaviour so comprehensively id be minted

This deserves a thread of its own realy.Theres enought intelegent women on hear to adress this one.

where is all this discrimination anyway??? is OP complaining about something that does not really exist? noone here seems to have been discriminated against, in fact more foe BF.... I never experienced it

silly

i meant more people feel the tut tut treatment for bottle feeding

its all a bit Milly Tant

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